Flexural Properties of Finely Granulated Plastic Waste as a Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregate in Concrete

Abstract

The research work evaluates the structural properties of concrete with fine aggregates being substituted with granulated plastic waste [GPW] using high density polyethylene (HDPE). The plastic wastes were shredded and grounded into fine material passing through 0.5mm sieve. The fine aggregate was substituted from 0% to 50% (with 0% serving as the control) and water-cement ratio ranges from 0.6 for 0%-30% substitution and 0.7 for 40% and 50% using a concrete matrix 1:2:4. Various tests were carried out, workability, compacting factor and V.B consistometer on the wet concrete and compressive strength test on the hardened concrete after curing. Results showed that a wide range of high early strength was achieved with compressive strength of 21.42N/mm2, 17N/mm2 and 9.67N/mm2 for 10%, 20% and 30% fine aggregate replacement respectively while the control is 21.75N/mm2 at 28days test. It is recommended that a 10% replacement be used for structural works while 20% and 30% be used for non-structural works like solid ground floors and light weight concrete.